ATLANTA — So, what do the Nationals and Braves have in store for us tonight? If I were a betting man — and I’m not — I would take the odds on this being another close ballgame, likely requiring more than nine innings to be decided. Why? Because of the last seven games played between these teams at Turner Field, six were decided by 1 run, and four of those went to extra innings. And that doesn’t even take into account whatever bizarre occurrences typically highlight these games.

Tonight it’ll be a rematch of Sunday’s game in D.C.: Taylor Jordan vs. Alex Wood. Which, by the way, was another 1-run game, a 2-1 Nats victory. Jordan faces the full Atlanta lineup, with Andrelton Simmons back after sitting out last night’s game.

The Nationals don’t have their regular lineup, not even close. Jayson Werth, who left last night’s game with a sore groin, isn’t starting tonight. Neither is Denard Span, who before a clutch hit late last night was mired in a 2-for-22 slump. So Matt Williams is going with an unusual Kevin Frandsen-Bryce Harper-Nate McLouth outfield alignment for this one.

7:00 p.m. — OK, if you missed all the news, here’s the condensed version: Denard Span has been placed on the 7-day concussion DL and replaced on the roster by Steven Souza Jr. Aaron Barrett has been optioned to Class AAA Syracuse and been replaced by fellow right-hander Blake Treinen, who was scheduled to start for the Chiefs tonight and thus is very much available to help an overworked bullpen. Jeff Kobernus (who broke his hand earlier in the week) was placed on the 60-day DL to clear a 40-man roster spot for Treinen. And Jayson Werth’s groin isn’t serious, but the Nats didn’t want to take a chance playing him today. He is available off the bench. Read the full story on all of that here.

7:15 p.m. — We are underway, with a bang. Anthony Rendon crushes a leadoff homer to straightaway center to get things started and give the Nats a quick 1-0 lead.

7:35 p.m. — Wow, this one got ugly in a hurry. Taylor Jordan simply couldn’t miss any bats in the bottom of the first, and the Braves made him pay dearly for it. B.J. Upton homered to center. Freddie Freeman singled to right. Justin Upton doubled to deep left. Dan Uggla hammered a single to left. Evan Gattis crushed another double to left. When it was finally over, the Nats found themselves in a 4-1 hole, with Jordan having thrown 31 pitches. The Nats desperately need innings from him tonight, but this is the reason they wanted Blake Treinen in the bullpen tonight. He’s very much available to give them multiple innings if needed. And at the moment, it looks like they’ll need them.

7:49 p.m. — For the second time in his last three at-bats, Bryce Harper bunted his way on, dragging one past the pitcher’s mound and then beating Uggla’s throw to first. When done at the right time, it’s a nice little weapon for Harper. Kevin Frandsen, meanwhile, delivered another base hit, giving the Nats a chance to get something back in the top of the second. But Sandy Leon, despite battling through a long at-bat, lined out to right and Jordan struck out to end the inning. Still 4-1.

8:20 p.m. — Another lost challenge for Matt Williams, who I believe is now 0-for-5 on the season. He tried to argue that McLouth was safe on a bang-bang play at first base. The umps back in New York took a VERY long look at it and ultimately concluded there wasn’t indisputable evidence to overturn the call. So that cost the Nats, who wound up stranding two men on base in the top of the third when LaRoche and Desmond each struck out. Still 4-1 heading to the bottom of the third.

8:28 p.m. — Even though he’s been hit much harder, Jordan actually has thrown eight fewer pitches than Wood through three innings (69 to 61). He has managed to stop the bleeding; now the Nationals need to take advantage of their opportunities against a potentially fading Wood in the top of the fourth.

8:38 p.m. — Terrible sequence there from the Nats in the fourth. With two on and one out, Jordan couldn’t get a bunt down. He completely missed the ball on an attempt with two strikes, and because of that, Harper got caught in no-man’s land off second base for a crushing double play. That’s not on Bryce, who has to get a good jump if Jordan bunts the ball. That’s all on Jordan for failing to even make contact. Still 4-1, middle of the fourth.

8:50 p.m. — And we just saw another example why this replay system is flawed. LaRoche clearly caught a line drive before it hit the ground, but the umps called it a grounder on the field. Williams can’t out to question the call, but he couldn’t challenge it because he already burned his earlier. Seriously, there is no need for strategy to be involved in replay. Have a fifth umpire in the stadium with access to monitors. If there’s a close call, he can watch it and make a ruling. It’s too simple.

9:04 p.m. — And the bad breaks keep on coming. Zimmerman was picked off second base, and immediately grabbed and looked at his right thumb. He’s out of the game, with Rendon moving to third base and Danny Espinosa taking over at second base. Last thing the Nats needed right now. Meanwhile, they’re 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position tonight and thus still trail 4-1 in the middle of the fifth.

9:18 p.m. — Just when you think nothing else weird could happen to the Nationals in Atlanta … McLouth just flat-out dropped the ball after catch a flyball and attempting to throw it back to the infield. In the past, that would be a clear-cut out, with the ball lost on the transfer. But umpires have been told to enforce that rule more. So it’s a really bad E9 on McLouth. Somehow, Jordan pitched out of the jam allowing only one run to score. It’s 5-1 Braves, and that’s got to be it for Jordan tonight.

9:37 p.m. — The good news: The Nats scored a run, via a wild pitch. The bad news: They still can’t drive in a run with a clutch hit. They’re 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position tonight, six of those coming via Sandy Leon and Taylor Jordan. Not the guys you want up in big spots. That’s it for Jordan, too, as Blake Treinen enters to make his major-league debut in the bottom of the sixth of what is now a 5-2 game.

10:00 p.m. — Brutal night for LaRoche, who is now wearing a golden sombrero after striking out for the fourth time. The Nats are now 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

10:08 p.m. — Two scoreless innings from Treinen in his big-league debut. Nice job by the right-hander. It remains 5-2 heading to the eighth, with the Nats running out of time. They’ll face David Carpenter in the eighth, with Craig Kimbrel looming for the ninth.

10:22 p.m. — The RISP fail streak reached 0-for-13 until Sandy Leon finally came to the rescue with two outs in the top of the eighth. Leon’s base hit to center scored Desmond and made this a 5-3 game. Jayson Werth then stepped in to pinch-hit and had his injured groin put to the test when he had to hustle down the line on a sharp grounder off Freeman. The Nats had the go-ahead run at the plate, but Rendon flied out to center. So they’re now 1-for-15 with RISP tonight and trail 5-3 heading to the bottom of the eighth.

10:29 p.m. — Freddie Freeman is a beast. Solo homer off Craig Stammen in the bottom of the eighth makes it 6-3 and makes the challenge for the Nats every greater.

I am baffled why MW sits Span against lefties in favor of McLouth. Span has had reverse splits throughout his career whereas McLouth has been horrible against lefties. If you’re going to put McLouth in, it needs to be against right-handed pitching. Perhaps this has to do with Span’s collision yesterday, though. Without Hairston and with Frandsen already in for Werth, McLouth is the only option.

Good thing Jordan is a groundball pitcher, because this OF defense should be something to behold.

You don’t necessarily need to hit your head. He was running full speed and got leveled. The whiplash from that could cause a concussion. I hope it’s just precautionary, because Span has really struggled with concussions in the past.

Eric - Apr 12, 2014 at 4:14 PM

+1 re: hoping it’s precautionary. I know he’s super skittish about it (based on a few articles I read last year) so it wouldn’t surprise me.

According to Ladson the finger injury is part of the rationale for sending him down. To give him time to heal while they replenish with fresh arms. He could be back with Fister depending on how he performs.

This is where picking up McClouth and Fraqndsen are very good moves. Resting Span and Werth makes sense, especially due to Jayson’s groin. I feel Rizzo made great moves this off season and I feel more confidant in both of them than i did the Shark. I am assumimg we will see Hairston again?

Yes, I agree with so many that the chop is nauseating as are Braves fans in general. I heard one of the junkies on 106.7 make an interesting comment ths morning and I agree with him, Braves are starting to become as hated as the NFL Cowboys are in DC. Great rivarly brewing and Braves and fans are arrogant like the Tex Shram/Jerry Jones bunch as well. Also, showing my age here but every time I hear the name Kolko (Dan Kolko Nats sideline reporter and doing a great job) I’m waiting to hear Claire mentioned before Kolko as in Claire and Co Co, an old DC children’s show. They both visited my old elementary school back in 1965. I know, I’m old.

also, I am so glad General Sherman kicked your ass Atlanta as he will always be your Daddy, LOL

Generally (as it were ) a fan of good matures barbed bashing, but invoking Sherman seems excessive. As I recall many civilians killed and homes destroyed. Pretty dark stuff to invoke on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Also, go nats! They refuse to give up on a single game this year. True grit. All I ask is good hard fought games and they are delivering with an extra side of face eating. Love it.

Barrett also pitched the day before to Stanton and pitched a pretty long inning 2 days before that. And it’s not just Barrett. Stammen is probably still unavailable. Blevins has worked a lot. Storen and Clippard got an off day two days ago, but both have been worked a lot early in the season. You can’t just keep putting out the same guys day after day or your bullpen won’t make it through May.

10 days is the minimum time before you can call someone back up if you send them down. That’s why they said 10 days.

I do not quite understand the Barrett move? I wonder if MW should think about letting Cat call the shots with the piching staff and BP? just a thought. I think MW has done well with pitching staff, my only real beef was last night with the 10th inning, that was very dumb baseball. My only other crtique is that it is clear Clip should not be the 8th inning pitcher.

Man I can’t wait to hear a deeper explanation of whats going on with our players. Trying to stay optimistic that our team doesn’t crumble to the injury bug. We have one hell-of-a team if we can just get to use them.

We’ve had to do a lot of reading between the lines this year, that’s for sure. But hey: baseball.

Attitude of Natitude - Apr 12, 2014 at 5:01 PM

Saw a good article the other day, but lost the link, suggesting no doubles defense does not lower XBH% by much at all, but raises BABIP by something like .37, which is substantial. We certainly saw anecdotal evidence last night. Wonder if no doubles defense will turn out to be another example of wrongheaded baseball wisdom.

If Souza plays his cards right, we could have a Souza/Harper/Werth outfield next year. We take a hit defensively from Span for sure, but Souza is a .280/25HR/20SB bat. I really believe that. Baseball America believes in him, too. They think he’s a legitimate prospect that’s being overlooked.

Souza is as good of an athlete as the Nats have in their system. That is what Rizzo likes but I don’t think they go back to Harper in CF, I just don’t.

I am extremely concerned about Span. This is very serious that he had another head jolt injury.

nats128 - Apr 12, 2014 at 6:30 PM

GoSM, how ready would you say Souza is. Also good call earlier I see on Span. You had the skinny long before everyone else.

I thought Souza was taking Werths spot.

Melissa - Apr 12, 2014 at 6:31 PM

Ideally, Brian Goodwin will be in centerfield by next year, and Souza will be on the bench. Goodwin has the defensive tools for center, and Harper should be a corner outfielder. Goodwin needs some time to adjust to AAA pitching before we start writing him off, and he is two for two so far today. He probably won’t need more than a season in Syracuse.

David, and Rizzo agrees with us. Look who is on the team today – Souza.

Goodwin needs a lot more work on pitch recognition and cutting down on those Ks. He wants to be a power hitter and that’s a problem as he needs to be a hitter with power.

Melissa - Apr 12, 2014 at 6:49 PM

I agree that Goodwin has a lot of work to do, but I don’t agree that Souza will be a starting outfielder for the Nats unless there is an injury. Harper and Werth are entrenched in the corners, and Souza isn’t a centerfielder, which limits his opportunity.

letswin3 - Apr 12, 2014 at 6:29 PM

I was impressed with Souza all Spring. It would be nice to see him in 5 or 6 straight big league games.

Melissa, I agree on Souza being a corner CF is blocked as a starter and that seems clear with Bryce and Werth. I’m not convinced Goodwin is near ready. I gave you the intel I had on him. Denard Span will be the starting CF in 2015 if healthy. Michael Taylor could leap frog Goodwin if he really can hit. They both have a lot to prove this year and mostly on the offensive side.

Melissa - Apr 12, 2014 at 7:06 PM

Thanks for the clarification. I guess I’m just a Goodwin fan because he signed something for me at a game last year.

Still behind on posts and comments but just “speed-watched” last night’s game, which was certainly a doozy. Hoping to watch tonight’s game in real-time, if I don’t fall asleep. These clubhouse consultation call/challenge/replay (or not) games could wreak havoc on my sleep time.

Interesting…. You say lack of executing.. Cuz what I see is stupid mistakes each and every time we play the braves… Like we saw tonight..

You say lack of executing and I say stupid play.l..

Section 222 - Apr 12, 2014 at 7:28 PM

I see that some think that Barrett being sent down was a result of MW “mismanaging the bullpen.” I’d love to hear what they think should have been done. Seems to me there was nothing wrong with using him two days ago or last night. He had pitched an inning or less on March 31, April 4, 5, and 8 before that. What’s the issue? Same with Stammen. We needed him to go long the other day. That’s not mismanagement, that’s his role.

These kinds of moves are why you have a farm system. They wanted to give Barrett a day or two off. Treinen hasn’t pitched since Monday. He can go two days in a row if necessary, or do a long relief outing today or tomorrow. Barrett will be back I’m sure.

It’s not that I thought it was no big deal, but I thought we could survive. And we probably can, despite their last 2 starts. That’s dependent on Fister returning in the next few weeks, obviously. Long-term, it’s not something we can do.

Section 222 - Apr 12, 2014 at 7:47 PM

I thought we could survive too, but in no way did I think we wouldn’t miss Fister. He’s a No. 2 or 3 in many rotations. Roark and Jordan are both No. 5’s at this point in their careers. There’s a difference.

At the same time, I really don’t want them to rush Fister so I don’t think it’s the end of the world if he’s not back in the next few weeks. Not because I’m sure Roark and Jordan will pitch as well as he would but because we need him fully healthy and able to pitch every 5 days for the rest of the season.

When you don’t have control it probably doesn’t matter what the pitching coach is saying. Maybe dead arm. He’s finishing short with most of the pitches as he is opening up too much. Let’s see if he can fix that up with his warmups in the next inning.

So they’re only down 3, with plenty of time to get back into it. I mean, you’d rather be up 3, but it’s hardly insurmountable if they keep their wits about them.

secretwasianman - Apr 12, 2014 at 7:40 PM

What’s the point? We can’t beat these guys with our best. Then we send two minor league pitchers out two nights in a row?? Yuck. I am beyond pissed. This is not a rivalry. You have to win now and then. Blahhhhhhhhh

Section 222 - Apr 12, 2014 at 7:40 PM

Come on folks, lighten up. In 2 of the last 3 games we’ve come back from 4-0 and 5-0 deficits. Give the guys just a little time before unloading on them.

Did you think Leon and Taylor Jordan can hit? Wrong part of the order to think they will keep hitting which is why you put a play on.

Section 222 - Apr 12, 2014 at 7:54 PM

Not ready to pitch? How do you figure?

Stras was just fine, thank you. But I assume you’re thinking of JZnn. It’s concerning that in three out of our last four starters have given up a bunch of runs early, but do you really think that’s as a result of “not being ready”? I just don’t think you can say that, at least about JZnn.

I thought there was conclusive evidence there. The ball was clearly not in the glove yet because you could see it. And you could also see McLouth’s foot on the bag. I’m not sure what else is needed

Section 222 - Apr 12, 2014 at 8:15 PM

I’m not sure. It’s hard to tell when his foot actually hits the base from that angle. I can see how they might decide the evidence is not conclusive. Once again, I think managers will learn that they should probably not challenge unless the call is pretty clearly wrong. What constitutes conclusive evidence may not be entirely clear at this point, but over time the NY crew will get more consistent about that. I’m bummed that we didn’t get that call, or the call last night, but I don’t think the final outcome was obviously wrong.

The Nyjer play was more clear IMO. These close ones are staying with the call on the field.

Section 222 - Apr 12, 2014 at 8:38 PM

As they probably should. Nothing wrong with that. i really think you are overstating how clear that play was. The stop action that MASN did may very well have caught McLouth’s foot over the base. It pretty clearly kept going down when the tape restarted.

Partial fans are not the best evaluators of replay. Just wait until we win some challenges. You all will change your tune real fast.

manassasnatsfan - Apr 12, 2014 at 8:26 PM

I won’t change my mind. I watch 15 games a week. I would love the system if it would do what is supposed to, but more often then not in the games I have seen the review was clear, but no call corrected until Nijer today

Actually would be for the replay if they would call it right, but they aren’t

I would hear what the reviewing umps see that apparently don’t see as McClauth was safe. Sitting in the review guy and tell me how when his foot was on the bag and the ball not in the glove yet equals an out. These guys are hidden even more these umps are.

Had no problem with Hernandez it was bang bang. I have major problem with reviewers

When this team plays the Braves I just put it in the loss column. It’s a shame. Hopefully the nats can excel against the rest of the league and win the division

manassasnatsfan - Apr 12, 2014 at 8:54 PM

Presently umps owe us 2 from tonight 1 from last night

Section 222 - Apr 12, 2014 at 8:54 PM

I’m a fan of replay, but not of the challenge system. That was a case in point.

That having been said, it’s also a case in point on why you don’t waste your challenge on a questionable play. Of course, that’s not MW’s fault. He can’t see well enough to know. It’s up to our video guy in the clubhouse to give good advice.

The umps should be willing to review a questionable call if a team is out of challenges. They have some ‘splainin’ to do.

and who makes up the schedule… you have 29 teams to play and we see Atl and Miami two weeks in a row.

Why can’t the folk in charge of MLB do anything right. When they do take action, they put in a flawed replay system without much thought, while going decades without making decisions on different rules in the two leagues, not having a commissioner, and then there’s the fleecing of the Nats with the good ole boy cable deal.

Joe Seamhead - Apr 12, 2014 at 8:58 PM

I’m pretty sure that Hulk Hogan will come in soon. Huh? What’s that you say? What do you mean this isn’t the WWF?
The replay system is a farce

And another thing — when a respected veteran like ALR says he caught the ball, what’s the harm in checking the replay? He’s not going to BS you, since the replay will show whether it was right. Bad decision by the umps.

THis game is painful enuf. I really don’t need two egotistical blogiacs making facts out of uncertainties.
I’m sure I’ll regret this after Ghost who will still be on the blog in 2059 tell those who remain, “I called it first back in 93′”

This is High School. Baserunning blundes by Harper and now Zimmerman. How can you let that happen. This is why that play that worked earlier in the week by Harper where he rounded 2nd on an infield grounder and kept running was a fortunate result of a careless play. This is not High School. This can’t happen at this level.

manassasnatsfan - Apr 12, 2014 at 9:03 PM

Great ALR swings at one in the dirt, doesn’t bother on one one over the middle.

I think the conclusion we really have a focus problem against the Braves. Just win the 143 games.

paul brandt - Apr 12, 2014 at 9:04 PM

feel like i am watching the caps…comedy of errors!!

manassasnatsfan - Apr 12, 2014 at 9:04 PM

He might have been safe

manassasnatsfan - Apr 12, 2014 at 9:06 PM

Actually I was thinking about the Caps. Unexplained mistakes. Totally weird

Section 222 - Apr 12, 2014 at 9:06 PM

The Nats appear to be missing the steadying influence of Jayson Werth tonight.

Bad pitching is one thing. Brain dead plays is another. Taylor Jordan is doing his best like Roark yesterday and JZim a few days ago but these brain dead plays at the plate and base paths has got to change.

I don’t know what FP is talking about. That play has happened 3 times this year. Happened in the Cubs game and they challenged it and still lost the appeal. That outfielder had it in his glove even longer.

Joe Seamhead - Apr 12, 2014 at 9:15 PM

So keep telling me about how un important outfielders are. FP is wrong anyway. That wasn’t on the transfer. Nate dropped the ball.

manassasnatsfan - Apr 12, 2014 at 9:18 PM

It didn’t looked dropped to me. Looked like dropped as he picked it out of the glove.

davecydell - Apr 12, 2014 at 9:15 PM

Go Laro, someone has to get mad.
It sure aint gonna be Williams
.

Section 222 - Apr 12, 2014 at 9:15 PM

This transfer play is absolutely absurd. This is something that MLB must correct. There have been some much more extreme calls on that this year. Crazy.

I’ve noticed on the FOX national broadcast they cut out the crowd noise effectively. Its like chalkboard nails.

secretwasianman - Apr 12, 2014 at 9:17 PM

Just pathetic to constantly lose to this team. If you don’t like the chop, if you don’t like the fans….. Then how about you beat these guys occasionally. They own the nats. They are laughing at us, As they should.

I only feel sorry forTaylor Jordan and his Mom and Dad.
Just watched the McLouth non-catch.Sorry folks, that was always an E-9 for the last 100 years. That was an error on any level of baseball. I disagree with FP.

Brian Kenny and his panel on MLB Now the other day came up with some great examples of what enforcement of the rule could lead to. What if a guy catches the ball one handed in right field, starts running in to the dugout, and drops the ball as he transfers it to his throwing hand to toss it into the crowd? It’s ridiculous.

That play in Cleveland cost them a run also. I saw the game. Trevor Bauer was pitching and gave up that unearned and 1 other and I think took the L. In that play, the outfielder had the ball longer than McLouth. It was ridiculous and cost the Indians a replay in the 1st inning.

Section 222 - Apr 12, 2014 at 9:37 PM

He had it way longer, you’re right. Terry Francona had a classic line. Said the umps should have called him for traveling.

Fielders responsibility on a wide throw is getting a glove on it. Espi didn’t knock it down. That could have been a disaster.

manassasnatsfan - Apr 12, 2014 at 9:47 PM

Fielding is always weak it seems against Braves. It was one thin MW said had to improve.

Joe Seamhead - Apr 12, 2014 at 9:48 PM

OK beating a dead horse, but Mrs. Seamhead , who kept score for high school and college teams says after watching the replay, that even if it was her son on that play it would be E-9 on the McLouth play.

manassasnatsfan - Apr 12, 2014 at 9:52 PM

I have also kept score at the high school level, I didn’t see it as E9

Depends on what you see.

Moot point at this time, but lack of hitting with RISP far from moot.

manassasnatsfan - Apr 12, 2014 at 9:49 PM

That inning worked.

F.P. and his sly point. The umps signaled out before McLauth removed it from his glove.